Canon updates firmware for EOS-1D X and EOS-1D C

Canon has announced upcoming firmware updates for its top-of-the-range SLRs, the EOS-1D X and video-optimised EOS-1D C. Version 2 for the EOS-1D X adds a range of additional autofocus settings, along with the option to set minimum shutter speeds in Auto ISO up to 1/8000 sec, and the ability to set exposure compensation when using Auto ISO in manual exposure mode. It'll be available to download in January 2014.

Meanwhile the EOS-1D C gains improved audio recording with addition of a line-level input option, and support for aberration corrections with cinema EOS lenses. The update will be available from November, and requires the camera to be sent to an authorized Canon Factory Service Center.

Firmware Version 2 for the EOS-1D X is Based on Extensive User Input and Provides More Efficient Autofocus Performance in Low Light, Custom Controls, and Improved User-Programmed Functionality

MELVILLE, N.Y., October 22, 2013 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, announces improvements in the functionality and convenient operation of the EOS-1D X Digital SLR camera and the EOS-1D C Digital SLR Cinema camera through new firmware scheduled to be available starting in January 2014 and November 2013, respectively. Firmware enhancements for the EOS-1D X Digital SLR camera are designed to provide photographers with greater creative freedom and speed, especially in sectors such as sports, wedding, nature/wildlife, and journalism, which often contain rapidly changing action, sometimes in low-light environments. Service enhancements for the EOS-1D C Digital SLR Cinema camera improve lens performance, lens status display, metadata storage, and audio recording.

“Canon constantly strives to provide our customers with advanced and innovative technology in our products,” noted Yuichi Ishizuka, executive vice president and general manager, Imaging Technologies & Communications Group, Canon U.S.A. “We understand the daily life of photographers, we listen closely to what they have to say, and we use their feedback in our constant efforts to improve existing products and develop new ones. The latest Canon firmware for the flagship EOS-1D X Digital SLR camera provides better automation to help photographers fine-tune how the camera operates moment-by-moment so users can concentrate on creativity and success. Filmmakers have also requested improved functionality for the EOS-1D C Digital SLR Cinema camera, and its new update delivers.”

Improved Operability for the EOS-1D X

Developed as the ultimate Canon EOS camera, the EOS-1D X Digital SLR is designed with foresight that enables its performance to be periodically improved with new firmware upgrades, helping to ensure maximum long-term value for owners and users of the camera. These improvements are engineered to support and advance the evolving creative needs and business imperatives of professional photographers and committed high-end amateurs. The features provided by firmware version 2 are designed for more efficient automation that takes the task of changing settings away from the “heat of the moment” and enables photographers to concentrate on creativity and obtaining valuable shots. Firmware version 2 upgrades and operability additions include a total of 10 features that are now new or improved:

• AF Performance with Moving Subjects – For greater creative control, additional parameters have been added to AI Servo 2nd Image Priority, enabling users to adjust these settings for more accurate AF performance according to the situation at hand. Photographers can fine-tune the balance between prioritizing focus versus the framing rate for the second and subsequent shots in a burst.

• Enhanced AI Servo AF Performance in Low Light Conditions – The AI Servo focusing algorithm has been improved to allow more time for light sampling during AF activation prior to shutter release, enhancing AF performance in low-light situations. Additionally, initial AF control is now based on the new “+2 focus priority” setting of AI Servo 2nd Image Priority, which has higher distance measurement capabilities under low-light conditions. Upon full depression of the shutter button, settings from AI Servo 1st Image Priority take over and then settings from AI Servo 2nd Image Priority are applied on any subsequent images in the burst. This increases the probability that the first image in a burst sequence will be as sharp as possible.

• Improved Acceleration/Deceleration Tracking Parameters – To improve tracking performance of fast-moving subjects that fill the frame, additional parameters for acceleration/deceleration tracking in AI Servo AF have been added to provide photographers with more precise control when photographing rapidly moving subjects that accelerate or decelerate quickly or unexpectedly. In response to feedback from professional photographers, these new settings have been added to handle larger differences in speed (i.e., the rate of change in image magnification) compared to the previous firmware.

• Selection of Initial AF Point While Shooting in 61-Point Auto Selection AF – This new option in the AF Menu provides more continuity when switching to 61-Point Auto Selection AF from any other AF Point Selection mode. The option maintains the AF point selected from the previous Selection mode as a starting point for 61-Point Auto Selection AF. It also maintains the ability to change to a pre-programmed AF point when changing the Selection mode. This time-saving option is designed to help eliminate the need to stop and think, and helps photographers to customize their individual shooting style.

• AF Point Switching According to Camera Orientation – In addition to programming the EOS-1D X camera to automatically switch to a different AF point and area selection mode based on camera orientation, firmware version 2 adds the option of programming only the AF point according to camera orientation (horizontal, grip up and grip down). This new ability to select up to three different AF points according to camera orientation allows for greater customization of the camera to specific shooting styles.

• Expanded Minimum Shutter Speed in Auto ISO – In response to user feedback, this improved functionality in Auto ISO enables photographers to select a minimum shutter speed as high as 1/8000th of a second to freeze moving subjects.

• Exposure Compensation in Auto ISO with Manual Mode Set – This new function enables photographers to manually set a desired shutter speed and aperture, use Auto ISO to control the exposure, and use Exposure Compensation to adjust the exposure for challenging lighting conditions (e.g., a very dark or very bright background). This new function can be activated through the Quick Control Dial or by using the Main Dial while pressing the SET button.

• Toggling Between Alternate Camera Settings – EOS-1D X camera users can now toggle between three groups of camera settings instantly by pressing the shutter button, AE Lock button [*] or the AF-ON button. Selectable settings that can now be assigned to the AE Lock and AF-ON buttons via Custom Controls include:

Currently selected AF point vs. pre-registered AF point

AI Servo AF configuration sets (Case 1 through Case 6)

One-Shot AF vs. AI Servo AF

Currently selected drive mode vs. 14 fps Super High Speed drive mode

With these new options, photographers can reconfigure their EOS-1D X camera on the fly, while keeping their eye on the viewfinder to maintain concentration on the shot they are trying to get. For example, the camera could be set up for One-Shot AF and single shot drive mode on the shutter button, AI Servo AF in Case 1 with high-speed continuous drive mode on the AE Lock button, and AI Servo AF in Case 4 with super-high-speed 14 fps continuous drive mode on the AF-ON button.

• Same Exposure for New Aperture in Manual Mode – This new firmware feature provides users with the ability to maintain consistent exposure levels in Manual mode when the aperture changes, for example when a photographer shoots at maximum aperture with a variable-aperture lens (such as the Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM telephoto zoom) or when using a lens equipped with built-in extender (such as the EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4X). The feature gives users the option to have the camera adjust the shutter speed or the ISO to compensate for the aperture change.

• Display Protected Images Only – Users can now page through protected images only via an option on the main dial. This feature already exists with rated images, and is an expansion of that capability.

Enhancements for the EOS-1D C

A versatile, self-contained 4K cinema camera as well as a robust still photography camera, the Canon EOS-1D C will also benefit from a new service update that further enhances the performance of this unique imaging device.

• EF Lens Communication – The new service update for the EOS-1D C Digital SLR Cinema camera will enable Canon EF-mount Cinema lenses to store lens metadata in the video recorded by the camera. Furthermore, Canon EF-mount Cinema lenses will be supported by Peripheral Illumination and Chromatic Aberration Correction functions, helping to improve overall image quality*.

• Audio Recording – In response to user requests, audio on the EOS-1D C camera has also been enhanced. Currently audio recording is limited to a MIC input, but the forthcoming service update will permit selection of LINE or MIC input, allowing use of a wider variety of external audio sources.

New Firmware Release Schedules and Installation Procedures

Firmware version 2 for the EOS-1D X Digital SLR camera is scheduled to be posted on the Canon U.S.A. website in January 2014. Users will be able to download and install the new firmware on their own, or have it installed by an authorized Canon Factory Service Center. For more information please visit: www.usa.canon.com/eos1dxfirmware.

The update for the Canon EOS-1D C Digital SLR Cinema camera is scheduled to be available November 2013, and will be installed at no charge as a service upgrade that requires the camera to be sent to an authorized Canon Factory Service Center. For more information please visit: www.usa.canon.com/CinemaEOSFirmwareUpdate.

Comments

Just thought of something: Does this mean the STILLS functions of the 1DX will then exceed that of the 1DC?..... Or does the 1DC also get the the same stills stuff as the the 1DX (with the addition of the movie improvements)?

Pretty awesome for 1DX users! They really should do this for the 5D3 too (and the EC for AutoISO should have been done ages ago.... for ALL models, down through Rebel as every other maker has had for years, it's absurd it's taken over a decade to get such a trivial thing out and it's still only for top of the top model!)

Canon please fix my 1Dx, it's been sitting with you guys for a month and you are telling me it's still waiting for parts. How disappointing! And the fact that a top of the line camera just died for no reason is just as shocking.

Seriously, do you really need to send the camera back to Canon for a firmware update? Seems to me they are so selfish they do not even take into account the possibility that a product can get improvements. Please, give me a sound reason not to think so.

Well, here's a sound reason. It's only the EOS-1D C update that needs the camera sending in, which is why it's called a 'service update'. Canon has released numerous user-installable firmware updates for other cameras, including the one for the EOS-1D X announced alongside. So clearly Canon takes into account that products can get improvements, as a rule.

The change to the EOS-1D C that stands out here is the added ability to switch the mic input to line level. This may well require more work than a simple firmware update.

Andy, I know that you know the real the reason 1D C firmware updates are not user installable is that they will literally almost turn a 1D X into a 1D C. The hardware difference between them is a pc sync port (1D X) vs a headphone jack (1D C) plus according to Canon the 1D C has "reworked circuitry and design to dissipate heat for 4K recording". In other words, an extra heat sink or two. If the 1D C firmware was downloadable, enterprising users might be tempted to try making a 1D XC, which might or might not actually work. I would bet it would work just fine. Thus the 1D C firmware updates are kept on a VERY tight leash.

The 1DC needs to be sent back, because I think they are afraid someone will hack into the firmware upgrade packet, and use it on a 1DX to give it some of the video functions of the 1DC….But, seriously, why can't the 1DX have a clean HDMI included in the next firmware update?!!

On the 1DX you Canon have allowed for that by allowing users to set an exposure bias within the settings menu, much in the same way that one would do so with a light meter; so if you find that you would prefer your exposures 2/3 of a stop brighter, you would set that parameter in the settings and from then onwards all of yoru exposures would be biased towards a 2/3 increase in exposure without you having to alter the Exposure Compensation dial (in other words the EC dial would remain at zero)

It should've been in all bodies Rebel and up ages ago. It's a one penny feature. To keep in the 1DX only is absurd. No other makes does that, they even have their lowest end even with even fancier implementations than even the 1DX will now get.

You mean Sony doesn't do that with limiting the NEX 3 lowest ISO to 200 or Panasonic with the electonic shutter option only available in highe end models (and numerous video ones). You also have Samsung who adds features to the new models (like auto iso in manual mode on the nx200) which could be ported back to olds ones (like the NX100) but aren't. Canon hasn't cornered the market on evil just yet.

Manual Exposure, Auto ISO, and Exposure Compensation and .... wait for it .............. ALL AT THE SAME TIME!!!!

Yay!!!! Yay!!!!

Why the hell such an obvious feature wasn't put in the camera from the get-go is anyone's guess, but at least they did it in the end.

It seems the arrogance of Canon and Nikon is on the wane now that they are getting stiff competition from Oly, Panny, Sony and Fuji. So no more leaving off obvious features and having the damn cheek to expect us to buy a new multi-thousand dollar kit just to get the added features in the firmware!!

Previously, the likes of Canon and Nikon would never ADD features to a camera; they would only correct bugs in existing features.

Call me a cynic but those cams you mention don't count. Why? Coz, they are "Hollywood cams", that is to say, they are well known for their video capabilities and are darlings amongst film makers. So my take is they were just pleasing film makers and the Hollywood set.

This current feature upgrade on the 1DX is the first that I know of where Canon have ADDED an often requested photographic feature for photographers using a primarily photographic device.

The email I received this AM reads "expected availability Jan 2014"... Which means last night at a restaurant somewhere in Tokyo two engineers started talking about it... Jan 2014: don't count on it.

To me it's kind of like an advanced "bait and switch carrot"...we are coming up on the (USA anyway) big shopping season Black Friday Cyber Monday etc....I think Canon dvrs NFL football games and is seeing all the black Nikon lenses in the end zone and getting worried...trying to keep the Canon-Nikon-Canon-Nikon ship jumpers from jumping.